Thursday, December 2, 2010

6 Cold weather skin care tips for brides

Pin It Now!
Following on from my post yesterday 12 Tips to surviving a wedding in the snow here are 6 Cold weather skin care tips brides.

During the winter cold air, wind and indoor heat are three of the major factors that give us dull, dry skin. With the 'lovely' weather we have been experiencing lately I'm sure most of us are experiencing something much worse than the normal dull, dry winter skin; something no bride wants to hear, especially weeks or days before her wedding. Fear not, here are 6 cold weather skin care tips to help you prevent dull and dry skin before your big wedding day.

1. Overhaul your skin care regime

Limit your time in the shower, bathe in warm water, no hot water. Hot water strips the skin of moisture. Use a body wash, not soap, as it will be gentler on your skin. Pat dry, don't rub. Apply moisturiser liberally while skin is still wet. For those with particularly dry skin applying moisturiser 2 - 3 times a day can really help; especially to exposed skin.

Remember to ex-foliate weekly, or 2 - 3 times a week [ particularly your face ] if you really need it. And stay away from alcohol based products.

2. Choose the right moisturiser

For your face, if it doesn't already, your moisturiser should include sunscreen, even in the winter months. Sun damage is irreversible. Didn't you know: moisturisers work on the premise of slowing the natural loss of water from the skin, not by putting water back into the skin as is often thought. Some dermatologists say 'the greaser, the better'; that's not always practical, except maybe in a night time moisturiser or if you have time in the morning to allow it to soak all over your body.

It's best to find a face and body moisturizer that works best for you.And remember; be vigilant with moisturizing as it will help to repair your skin's barrier layer and also, particularly for your face, use an oil-free lotion to minimize clogging of your pores.

3. Protect yourself from the elements 

As I've mentioned sunscreen is a must! You can still get burnt; even in these arctic temperatures! Lip balm will help smooth out chapped lips, as will a good moisturising lipstick, lip gloss is not great for this and can often aggravate the problem. Lip balm is also great for sore and irritated nostrils.

Clothes are another protection, both from the elements and from each other. Layering is the best way to go; not only to keep warm but to also protect the skin from fibres that may irritate it, such as wool. Jumpers are quick, easy and handy to wear during the winter but can often irritate the skin, layer with cotton, silk or linen tops and shirts to avoid this.

4. Drinking plenty of water

We've all be told about 8 glasses of water a day, its a must [pre wedding] you will definitely notice an improvement, maximised if you limit your intake of caffeine from the likes of coffee and soft drinks.

5. Exercise Regularly 

This will increase your circulation and help deliver more nutrients to your skin cells. It will also boost collagen  production; a natural skin saver.

6. Relax 

Planning weddings can be stressful, particularly for the bride; the last few days and weeks probably are the worst. Relax, take it easy, remember to eat well and get plenty of rest and sleep. You don't want big black bags under your eyes, crows feet or worry wrinkles!

Image from The Best of Mother Earth 
continue reading "6 Cold weather skin care tips for brides"

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

12 tips to survive a wedding in the snow!

Pin It Now!
First off let me start by saying that snow on your wedding day is associated with fertility and wealth so if you are superstitious, relax its a good thing!

If you are both superstitious and practical here are 12 tips to help you survive a wedding in the snow.

1. Confirm all your suppliers are 'snow ready' and still able to travel.

2. Phone your local county council to double check the routes you will be travelling on your wedding day will be gritted. If they are country roads plead your case! 

3. Make sure that all your important people are still able to make the wedding. [Maybe consider hiring a bus or mini bus to ensure they all have a way to get to and from the wedding.]

4. Don't get disappointed if some of your guests are unable to make it to your wedding due to the weather; it's not personal. If you know many wont, remember to change your final numbers with the venue and save yourself some money.

5. Ensure your church will be heated up sufficiently before the wedding ceremony.

6. Wear socks and runners travelling to and from the church, change into your wedding shoes [unless they are runners] as you arrive at the church and reception. If you want a couple of pictures outside wear your runners for these too. [No one will see if you dress is full length.] Even with wearing runners its a good idea to rough up the soles of your wedding shoes as well to give them better grip.

7. Make sure your [external] red carpet is all weather. If its not ask them to only use it inside. Red carpet can get wet quickly and is impossible to move, you don't want your dress ruined before you even walk down the aisle.

8. Ask your photographer, or bring yourself, an old white sheet, for outside photographs, particularly on grassy areas [if you are having them taken] stand on it, it will absorb the moisture before it gets to your dress. Appoint someone, not in the wedding party, to move it about.

9. Bring a warm coat that can be draped over your shoulders while you travel and between photos.

10. If you are travelling somewhere separate to your church or reception for photos bring a flask of hot tea to keep you all warm. [ps don't spill on your dress!]

11. Consider mulled wine or a hot punch for your drinks reception if you haven't already.

12. If you are serving canapés at your drinks reception, consider changing to soup... your guests will love you!

Most of all remember that is all part of your love story! Snow on your wedding day only adds to that... make the most of it and above all, enjoy, enjoy, enjoy it will be magical!

Image from the lab
continue reading "12 tips to survive a wedding in the snow!"

A garter that covers all your bases!

Pin It Now!
Every bride needs something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue... it wouldn't be a wedding day unless she did! So what if she could get all this is in 'one package' or one little [absolutely gorgeous] garter! Now she can...


 So how does this garter qualify as something old, borrowed and blue? Well the lace is borrowed from a dress, the silk is blue, the antique brooch is old, and the silk is brand new.And not only can this gorgeous arrangement be made into a garter if you would like a complete matching set that is possible too! The style is available in a brooch, garter, mini necklace and hair clip! For full details check out Rosebudlips on Etsy.
continue reading "A garter that covers all your bases!"